TEST KITCHEN'S FAVORITE MAC AND CHEESE

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Test Kitchen's Favorite Mac and Cheese image

Our ultimate mac and cheese relies on three different kinds of cheese -- American, cheddar, and Parmesan. For easier grating, put the block of cheese in the freezer for five minutes first.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 30m

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound short pasta, such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or rigatoni
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons mustard powder
3 cups warm whole milk, warmed
1 cup (4 ounces) finely chopped American cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) grated sharp cheddar
1 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Boil pasta in a medium pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than per package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
  • Return empty pot to medium heat and add butter. When butter melts and foams, add flour and whisk until darkened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Add mustard powder and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and add cheese in 3 batches, starting with American. Follow with cheddar and Parmesan. Whisk to fully combine after adding each cheese. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add pasta, stir to coat, and serve.

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